Alleged Filipino pedophile arrested in Dubai

Authorities arrested an alleged Filipino pedophile in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In its report on Wednesday, DILG said suspect Teddy Jay Mojeca Mejia engaged in sexual exploitation by selling child sexual abuse and exploitation materials.

Authorities said there are 111 identified victims.

Of the identified victims, 22 were rescued as of September 9 in different rescue operations in Nueva Vizcaya; Quirino provinces; Taguig City; Bacoor, Cavite; Marilao, Bulacan; La Union; and Baguio City.

The suspect sold the victim's child sexual abuse and exploitation materials on Telegram to 19 foreigners from 10 countries and received payment through online wallets.

The victims were also forced to perform sexual intercourse and were threatened to expose their nude photos and videos if they refused to follow the suspect's instructions.

Mejia left for Dubai in 2021 and has not returned to the Philippines.

The suspect was arrested pursuant to the Red Notice issued by Interpol. He is also on the Red Notice list of the National Bureau of Investigation.

He is facing charges of statutory rape, qualified trafficking in persons, and in violation of RA 11930 or the Anti Online Sexual Exploitation of Children and Anti Child Sexual Abuse pr Exploitation Materials Act.

He was previously arrested in 2014 and 2015 for violating the Anti-Child Abuse Law and Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism.

Authorities identified a total number of seven suspects, of which four were arrested, including Mejia.

-- Mariel Celine Serquiña/ VAL, GMA Integrated News